knight rider

iTrader: (1)

So, after frequenting the Audi website checking out the A5 I finally had some time in the schedule to go take one for a test drive.

The car I drove was Audi's "Brilliant Black" exterior with the "Cinnamon Brown" interior with the 5 spoke Y 19" wheels and technology package.

The walk up:
I thought I'd be a little disappointed when I saw the A5 after looking at the S5 that everyone else, including me, was drooling over, but the A5 still looks fabulous without the less "sporty" grill of it's more capable brother. I think it had something to do with the 19's.

Pop the hood
Not that it really matters what the engine looks like, but it had a well placed intake and was not overly covered up like most modern cars. 265 Horses / 243 Twisters.

Take to the driver's seat
The seats were firm and comfortable and not over bolstered. The paddle shifters where nearly hidden behind the steering wheel. I didn't even know they were there until my finger tips touched them, and they were'nt aluminum; just black plastic. The dash and center console units were absolutely classy, as so the rest of the interior. I liked the fact that the knob to control the multifunctional screen was right where your hand would normally rest. The placement of (one of the) on/off and volume buttons was to the right side of the gear selector which makes it too easy for an overzealous passenger to turn down your tunes or even turn off the stereo completely. The next thing that caught my attention was the moonroof, which only tilts but it's almost the entire size of the roof of the car. I'm not quite sure what Audi was thinking there.

A look at the rear seating area
Two words: insurance seats. My 4 year old was in a booster seat in the back and had to move her legs out of the way so that my wife (average height) could move the front seat back enough to get "somewhat" comfortable. That's unfortunate, because I really, really like this car and that could be the deal breaker. That's okay though, because I'm not purchasing a car until next year. Just doing homework for now. Oh, one more thing. You actually have to hold the switch to move the front seats out of the way to let rear seat passengers in and out. My 7 year old Acura actually does that automatically.

Pop the trunk
you could certainly hide the bodies there. Personally I think Audi could have given up a lot of trunk space to accomodate the rear seat passengers better. I mean, unless you're Jay-Z and Beyonce what two people would need that much trunk space?

The drive
Pulling off I noticed that the steering is incredibly light for a car this size. Putting the petal to the metal from 0 is a bit dissapointing, but then again you can always use the paddle shifters for more aggressive acceleration. It reminded me that it only had 5 more horses than my CL-S. Nevertheless, it felt like a different creature accelerating from cruising speeds. It almost felt like the 265 was underrated then. Oh, and the brakes are very responsive. The exhaust note is nothing to write home about, but the total driving experience is, hence the write-up.

The Pros
Absolutely gorgeous inside and out.

Respectable power for those who are not interested in HP and Torque numbers alone

Very intuitive dials and controls

The L.E.D running light are iconic

The Cons
Trunk for 4 / Seats for 2

Standard, tilt-only moonroof (should be an option)

Pricing may be just a tad to aggressive

The Verdict
Audi has an icon on there hands. If you want to be different and do it with class this is the car for you. If you don't mind not being so exclusive you can have the better equipped more powerful G37S for less. Nevertheless I would choose this car over the beloved 335 Coupe any day of the week. While the A5 is a capable sports coupe, if you are looking for a sports coupe and have the extra coin the S5 should be on your short list. The A5 still has some things to be desired for a vehicle in it's price range IMHO.

kr

Crazy Bimmer

I dont get it. You call it an icon but most of what you said about the drive didnt seem all that exciting.

Sucks about the steering. Was hoping it would be tighter.

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

Iconic as in, I still believe it is an enthusiasts car despite it's short comings. I think this car will just keep getting better. This is only year one.

Sarlacc

I loved that whole moonroof deal when I saw it at the auto show.

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

yeah, they actually call it a "panaramic sunroof". I see a sliding feature in it's future.

Sarlacc

It'll probably slide back 1/3 and become a top spoiler like the 4th gen prelude kinda did.

phil2

sounds like your trying to upsell us on a "meh" experience.

Sarlacc

its only 25¢ more and get so much extra...

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

yeah, something like that. The car is just so gorgeous. It's like that fine girl that you know you shouldn't get involved with but you want to anyway.

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

now that would certainly do the trick.

Sarlacc

In a5 form yes...in s5 form...give me the fucking car, I'll marry it.

But with a family priorities change. I'm currently trying to set everything up so that I can have my toy coupe prior to having a kid...and be able to keep it when I do have a kid.

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

good move. that is exactly what I did. Honestly I don't think I'll ever own a 4 door car. Not as long as my wife has a SUV.

FiveLiterCheater

Oh god, you're reproducing? What are you going to name your spawn?

Anywho, A5 is killer...S5 is amazing, however both are a bit overpriced for what you get

Crazy Bimmer

Yea its like a hot chick who is boring in bed.

Give me the S5 please.

From what you said the A5 is just pretty and nothing more.

einsatz

Perhaps you should wait until the A4 comes out... 4 doors, different layout inside so you should have more room in the back.

I know I'm certainly looking forward to test driving it

Sarlacc

And Socaplayachump wonders why I diss you so much that he feels the need to rescue you Maybe you could be his date to the junior prom

FiveLiterCheater

If you count the trash that comes out of your mouth as a diss I think you need to be school'd again

Sarlacc

Last post off topic from in here...but where and how exactly was I schooled?

certainly not by any of you.

ilitig8 gets to hold that title, and that dude also has my respect.

Loseit

iTrader: (1)

the moonroof only tilts...and that sucks.

And I love black people.

phil2

FIxed

dr_brains510

isn't the a5 like 265 hp....and its priced like over 40k? rather stick to my tls

SeCsTaC

This thread needs a pic of the A5/S5